There are only four actions permissible in the absence of a quorum. Which of the following is one of them?

• A. Recess
• B. Adjourn
• C. Take a Straw Poll
• D. Vote on a Preliminary Matter

Answer: (A)

When there’s no quorum, the rules limit what can be done to actions that don’t commit the body to formal decisions. The only action allowed to preserve order and keep the meeting alive is to recess. A recess gives time for additional members to arrive or for the assembly to consider how to proceed, without making any formal decisions or votes.

Taking a straw poll isn’t an official action and doesn’t advance business when there isn’t a quorum, since it doesn’t produce a formal result. Voting on a preliminary matter or any other vote would require a quorum to be valid, so those aren’t permissible. Declaring adjournment ends the meeting, which isn’t appropriate if you’re hoping to continue once a quorum is present.